Dianne Buswell issues furious statement after cruel Strictly Come Dancing rumours
Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has been forced to address cruel rumours online
Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has been compelled to respond to vicious speculation about her pregnancy following Stefan Dennis's departure from the competition.
The Neighbours star, 66, withdrew from the third live show of the series on medical grounds, but mere days after his ballroom comeback, confirmed he was pulling out permanently.
He has become the third celebrity to withdraw this series after Kristian Nairn and Dani Dyer, who were substituted by Lewis Cope and Amber Davies, respectively.
In the wake of Stefan's withdrawal, Dianne - who is making history as the first pregnant danceron Strictly - has been forced to dismiss claims from online trolls that his departure is actually a "set up".
She responded to one remark on Instagram, which stated: "To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn't really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her. She's a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought," reports Wales Online.
Dianne took to her Instagram Stories and said, in response: "I sound like a broken record but I'm seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I.
"I will speak up... I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so so on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year."
She added: "Please respect Stefan who is extremely gutted to not be able to dance and stop presuming this was a set up! because believe me we would if we could!"
This comes after Dianne paid tribute to her dance partner, sharing: "Stefo I'm so sorry our strictly journey was cut short just as that confidence was starting to grow. But you can walk away with your head held high. You can go home to your wonderful wife put your hand out and say would you like to cha cha cha with me.
"The main reason for being on this show was to be able to dance with her and you can certainly do that now. You are the kindest human I have ever worked with and I can always say I got to dance with the iconic neighbours legend Stefan Dennis or as my dad calls ya Paul Robertson."
Stefan's announcement had previously read: "This Morning, I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey.
"Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the comp and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday, I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show."
He added: "I can't tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely, especially, as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.
"I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife (When my leg is better). Fun face for all the avid Neighbours fans... It's the same leg!"
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer